BLACK HOUSTON CREATIVES NETWORK - BLACK LABEL EXPERIENCE: THE ESSENCE OF SUMMER

Written by Michael Thervil

BLACK HOUSTON CREATIVES NETWORK - BLACK LABEL EXPERIENCE: THE ESSENCE OF SUMMER

[Black Houston Creatives Network Black Label Experience The Essence of Summer] The following is a Press release that was provided by the Black Houston Creatives Network regarding the upcoming event entitled: “Black Label Experience The Essence of Summer”. This event will be occurring during the weeklong celebration of Juneteenth.

“Black Houston Creatives Network (BHCN) will host The Black Label Experience: The Essence of Summer on June 13, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Wonder Like Wander, 2506 La Branch St., Houston, TX

Too often, creatives possess immense talent, vision, and cultural influence, but miss the business pathways that turn that talent into sustainable success. The disconnect isn’t creativity; it's access, alignment, and understanding how to move within business ecosystems.

BHCN’s signature networking experience, The Black Label Experience, was designed to close that gap. 

BLACK HOUSTON CREATIVES NETWORK - BLACK LABEL EXPERIENCE: THE ESSENCE OF SUMMER

The event brings together creatives and business leaders in one intentional space for connection, collaboration, and collective elevation. Creatives gain access to paid opportunities, meaningful relationships, and insight into strengthening the business side of their craft. Business leaders, in turn, connect directly with the talent that drives cultural relevance, innovation, and audience engagement—an exchange that doesn’t just inspire, but impacts bottom lines.

More than a networking event, the experience serves as a cultural touchpoint, one that underscores how vital it is, especially in this moment, to invest in ecosystems that move both community and commerce forward. In a city like Houston, where culture shape’s identity and influence, spaces like this don’t just connect people; they create connections that change history.

“The Black Label Experience is about meeting at the intersection of culture, creativity, and commerce,” said Denise N. Upshaw, MPA, Founder of Black Houston Creatives Network. “As the cultural mecca of the South, Houston’s creatives bring the ideas, artistry, and cultural relevance that enhance corporate spaces and contribute to revenue growth.”

Across the country, creatives contribute billions to the economy, yet many still struggle to access consistent revenue streams or corporate partnerships that sustain their work. While industries increasingly rely on culture to drive engagement and brand relevance, a significant gap remains between creative talent and the decision-makers controlling budgets. Experiences like this are critical in closing that gap, transforming creativity into commerce, and ensuring artists are not just seen, but compensated and positioned within the business ecosystem.

BLACK HOUSTON CREATIVES NETWORK - BLACK LABEL EXPERIENCE: THE ESSENCE OF SUMMER

“The Black Label Experience was such a valuable space for connection and momentum,” said BHCN member Sha Davis. “Our documentary is actively making its rounds on the festival circuit, and through this experience I’ve gained collaboration opportunities, thoughtful feedback, and guidance that’s already helping shape our next steps.”

The Black Label Experience will bring Houston’s creative economy into direct conversation with notable business leaders, including Phillip Yates, founder of Black Entrepreneurs Week and Equiliberty, Angelique Myers, President of PRSA Houston, Michelle Ngome, founder of the African American Marketing Association, and board members of the Houston Chapter of the National Black MBA Association. Their attendance reflects growing cross-sector interest in BHCN’s work to connect creative talent with the relationships, visibility, and economic pathways needed for a sustainable career.

BHCN continues to invite organizations and businesses to partner in this work, building stronger pipelines between creativity and commerce, and investing in a future where Houston’s creative economy can fully thrive.

For Media Interviews and information, please contact Sheba Roy at 832-206-8576 or by email at sheba@mscreativeaf.com."